KR102003270B1 - Aquaculture assembly and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to at least one structure adapted to cultivate aquaculture species; At least one floating means; And at least one fixing means connecting the floating means to the seabed; The structure being connected to the floating means or comprising the floating means, or the floating means comprising the structure; Said assembly comprising: a) at least one structure to support in at least one of a) substantially below the water surface in the low tide, and at least substantially below the tide in the low tide, or b) substantially below the water surface in the low tide, Configured: Provides aquaculture assemblies to grow oysters in deep water. There is also provided a method of cultivating aquaculture species using the assemblies according to the present invention.

Description

[0001] AQUACULTURE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD [0002]

The present invention relates to assemblies and methods for the production of aquatic species, especially edible aquatic species. The present invention finds particular application in the morphology of shellfish species such as oysters and shellfish. The present invention also has application in the culture of submerged species, including subfamily, such as Ostrea angasi and Ostrea edulis .

Many oyster species are cultivated for high-value aquaculture products. Each species of oysters has unique requirements; Those requiring inter-tidal conditions, such as oysters and Sydney rock oysters, need to consume time from water in the low tide, which helps cure the pot-shaped shell and strengthen the shell . These features improve the quality of the product and extend the shelf life in the market; This increases their value. Some sub-tidal species, such as Ostrea angasi and almost similar Ostrea edulis can also benefit from being cultured just below the surface of the water (and thus under the conditions of subculture), which is beneficial for shell-hardening, hygiene and cleaning.

Inter-tidal species beneath the surface of the water in the deep sea have been used primarily to produce gut lining for the processing industry. Alternatively, when these deep sea areas are used to cultivate oyster beds for elevated purposes in the oyster market, i. E., Oysters implanted in shells, these oysters may be subjected to regular rumbling to produce the desired cup shape, And grading, and has often required repositioning with inter-tidal water to prepare oysters for the market.

Currently available shellfish culture systems are confined to shallow waters (up to 2.5 meters in depth from high tide), where long troughs with trays, baskets or cages / Fishing lines or shelves / stands are supported by a framework framework embedded in the sea bed. These systems work with assistants. At the low tide, these framework structures can be used by a fisherman with long boots to walk along the lines and to load the baskets / cages / trays into the working vessel for harvesting / grading, So that it is exposed to the water surface. Current oyster-farming systems and methods are labor intensive, and labor costs are generally a major cost in oyster farming.

The available and appropriate seawall shellfish culture areas are limited. In addition, the tide is influenced by the aquaculturists when they are able to access the associated structures for oysters and harvesting or maintenance operations.

There is a need for aquaculture systems that will allow aquaculturists to adopt a wider range of environments, while still producing premium quality oysters such as those cultivated in the intertidal zone.

There is also a need for aquaculture systems that will simplify the maintenance of oyster harvesting and associated retention structures and permit this in a time independent from the tide.

According to a first embodiment, the present invention provides:

At least one structure adapted to aquaculture species;

At least one floating means; And

At least one fixing means for connecting said floating means to the seabed;

The structure being connected to the floating means or comprising the floating means, or the floating means comprising the structure;

Said assembly comprising:

a) substantially below the water surface in the low tide, and at least substantially below the tide in the high tide, or

b) supporting the at least one structure at any one of: substantially below the water surface in the low tide, and completely below the tide.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of cultivating aquaculture species comprising culturing the aquaculture species using an assembly according to the present invention as described herein.

According to embodiments, the assemblies or methods of the present invention may be used to aquaculture species such as oysters. In one embodiment, the aquaculture species is Crassostrea gigas ) and Sydney rock oysters ( Saccostrea glomerata ), and interspecies species such as Australian native flat oysters ( Ostrea angasi ) and European flat oysters ( Ostrea edulis (sub-tidal species).

FIG. 1 illustrates a marine aquaculture assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a series of settled floating means with a raft-shaped platform set-up along a double-backbone line.
Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) show the aquaculture assembly according to embodiments of the present invention at low tide and high tide, respectively.
Figure 3a shows a aquaculture assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a series of settled floating means with a depth-adjusting rope to allow the aquaculture operator to operate the system efficiently regardless of the tide. Also shown in Figure 3A is an embodiment of a depth-controlled rope lock and unlock mechanism.
Figure 3b shows in detail the locking cams and plugs for use in aquaculture system according to embodiments of the present invention and shows the locking and monitoring, repair, or maintenance of the catamaran platform according to the present invention at the height set in order, For disengagement of the locking cams and plugs for access.
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an aquaculture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) illustrate an aquaculture assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention that is fixed on a double-backbone line at high tide (Figure 6) and low tide (Figure 7), while showing oyster baskets being held on water in low tide and submerged in high tide Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI >
Figures 8 (a) - 8 (c) illustrate that the raft-type platform is completely flooded (Figure 8 (a)), the raft-type platform is floated (Figure 8 The line of the raft-shaped platform according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown fixed to the double-backbone line (Fig. 8 (c)) where the raft-shaped platform is directed towards the low tide above the water surface.
Figures 9 (a) through 9 (c) illustrate an embodiment of the present invention that is fixed by a double-backbone line that is operated by an operator and releases the raft-type platform from settlement and then resets the raft- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI >
Figure 10 shows an existing submerged cultivation assembly that can be used in combination with the aquaculture assembly according to the present invention to promote minimal treatment for oysters cultivated through a seamless boundary between the intertidal zone and the deep sea.

Justice

As used herein, the term "comprising " means" including but not limited to the exceptions of any other physical, procedural or methodological element ". Variations of the word "comprising ", e.g.," comprise "and" comprises "

As used herein, the term "oyster" refers to all members of the Ostreidae family, and particularly members of the Crassostrea and Saccostrea , such as Crassostrea gigas , Sydney rock oysters ( Saccostrea Also classified as comercialis , Saccostrea glomerata ), Portuguese oysters ( Crassostrea angulata ) and American teaspoons or eastern oysters ( Crassostrea virginia , as well as some sub-tidal species such as Ostrea angasi , (Australian flat oyster; Western mud oyster; Australian flat oyster) and Ostrea These include members that are generally cultured for edible purposes, including edulis (European flat oysters).

As used herein, the term "substantially above " in the context of the location of an aquatic ecosystem structure relative to the surface of the water is at least partially present if the structure is not completely present on the surface during the described time period, As a result of the activity, temporarily permits full immersion. Similarly, the term "substantially below" in the context of the location of aquatic aquatic structures relative to the surface of the water is mostly present if the structure is not fully present under the surface during the described time period, Means allowing for temporary exposure to air as a result of the activity.

As used herein, the term "inter-tidal zone" refers to a marine area lying between the water surface level at the high tide and the water level in the low tide, which is present below water in the high tide, The air is exposed to air. The term " inter-tidal "describes entities, objects, structures, conditions or occurrences within the intertidal zone.

As used herein, the term "sub-tidal zone" refers to the coastal or tidal-aquaculture marine area below the intertidal zone and hence below the level in the low tide, (But this can be briefly exposed, for example, during extreme tides and nearly full moon and crescent moon). The term " sub-tidal "describes entities, objects, structures, conditions or occurrences within a sub-base.

As used herein, the term "sea bed" refers to a solid surface that is below the surface of the oceans or below the oceans, bay or bay.

Aquaculture assembly

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the aquaculture assembly 1 according to the present invention. The assembly 1 is connected to connecting means 30 provided as parallel backbone lines supporting respective aquatic farm structures 20 between each pair of floatation means 10 forming a plurality of raft- And a plurality of spaced apart floating means (10). Each structure 20 is configured to grow aquaculture species. Each floating means 10 is connected to the seabed 8 by at least one fixing means 50.

The suspension means 10 may comprise any suitable means for providing sufficient float to support the aquaculture structures 20 at a desired height substantially above the seabed. Thus, the nature and size of the aquaculture structure 20 depend to some extent on the size and nature of the floatation means 10. Suitable floating means for use in various embodiments of the present invention include rotary molded polyethylene plastic floats, hollow plastic or metal cylinders, foam or foamed polystyrene floats, or even if the assembly according to the present invention Although other things made for the purposes of the present invention may also be produced. Suitable commercially available aquaculture and marine fluids include, for example: New Zealand, Blenum PO Box 378, Indac Ltd; Australia, Tasmania 7172, Sorell, 1317 Oaks Court, Global Contract Servies, Pty Ltd; And those from Plastic Fabrication Pty Ltd, Tasmania 7010, Goodwood, 8 Negrar Crescent, Australia.

The aquaculture structure 20 is partly or completely located on the water surface 12 during the low tide and is located below the water surface 5 during high tide as shown in Figure 2 (b), as shown in Figure 2 (a) Partially or fully, so as to expose the structure 20 and its contents to artificial inter-tidal conditions. Alternatively, the structure 20 may be supported at a height above the seabed so that it is present in the low tide just below the water surface 12 and completely below the water surface 5 in the high tide, Expose the contents to artificial sub-tidal conditions (and thus associated ocean currents and wave activity).

Aquaculture constructions for use in the present invention may include any suitable structure in which the desired aquaculture species may be cultivated or cultivated on or within it. Suitable structures include, for example, frames, baskets, cages, screens, trays, mashbags, or containers, , Or any combination thereof known in the art for cultivating or culturing desired aquaculture species. Suitable aquaculture structures include oyster baskets, screens, trays or frames, especially in Australia, South Australia 5690, Ceduna Mailbox 633, Hexcyl Systems; Australia, South Australia 5039, Edward Stone, 26-28 Erudina Avenue, Seapa Pty Ltd; Australia, Queensland 4300, Carroll Park, 19-25 Antimony Street, Tooltech Pty Ltd; And those commercially available from BST Oyster Supplies Pty Ltd, Australia, South Australia 5602, Cowell, PO Box 356, Suitable aquaculture structures may also be prepared for use with the assemblies according to the present invention. Also, a suitable aquaculture structure may comprise a floatation means or a portion thereof, or, alternatively, the floatation means may comprise aquaculture structure (s).

The aquaculture constructions, which do not include the floating means, can be used for the lashing of the structure (s) to the floating means, the connecting means or both, for example by means of synthetic or natural ropes, cables, chains, metal bolts, may be connected to the floating means by any suitable means, including tying or bolting. The interlocking mechanism and the rapid-release mechanism are also considered as means for fastening the aquaculture structure to the floating means, the connecting means, or both. A releasable occlusion mechanism or rapid-release mechanism will allow for greater ease of maintenance or harvesting of the aquaculture structure.

6, the aquatic farm structures 20 may include cross-members 25 that support across the double-backbone lines 30 and are supported by double-backbone lines, The oyster baskets are tightened to the cross-members 25 as aquaculture structures.

1, the fixing means 50 includes an anchor (not shown) connected to the floating means 10 by a bridle means 70 and an anchor line 65 60). The fixing means 50 may be connected to the floating means 10 directly or indirectly through the structure 20 or the connecting means 30. [

The anchors for use in the present invention may include a concrete block of sufficient weight to settle the floating means and the structure (s) in the seabed. Alternatively, the anchors may be attached to the seabed at the anchoring points, such as screw anchors, for example: 6053, Western Australia 6053, Basswater, 3-5 James Street, Screw File Engineering Pty Ltd Wombat Anchor; Or Screw Marine Anchors from the United States of America, Washington 98110, Bainbridge Island, Suite 220, 945 Hildebrand Lane NE, and Mariner Supply, Inc. Suitable anchors may also include solid and substantially fixed structures on the undersea, or connectors attached thereto, such as bolts, ring bolts, and the like. Other suitable means of settlement will be apparent to those familiar with marine settlement systems.

While the anchor lines can be connected to the floating means without the bridle means, the bridle means can confer higher stability to the raft type platform.

The anchor lines, and if present, the bridle means may comprise any suitable material as is known in the art, such as, for example, ropes, cables, chains or any combination thereof.

As shown in Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b), the additional stability of the assembly 1 may be provided by the displaced stabilizing means 80 connected to each end of the assembly 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each stabilizing means 80 includes an anchor-wrap line 90 (which may be adjustable in length) and an anchor 85. The anchors 85 may include materials / objects similar to the anchors 60 and in one embodiment may be larger than the anchors 60 and / or may be more rigidly fixed to the underside 8. Suitable and available anchors for the anchor 85 include, for example: Stingray Anchor and Danforth Anchor from Discovery Drive, 65 BC, Vibale Lake, 65 BC, Pty Ltd, Australia, Western Australia 6163; Or the Bruce Anchoring system from the British Isles, IM4 4QE, Isle of Man, Douglas, Crunkburn, Anchor House, and Bruce Anchor Group.

All of the anchor lines 65, bridle means 70 or anchor lines and bridle means are connected to the anchoring means 10, the aquaculture structure 20 and / or the raft- 60 of the first embodiment of the present invention. The depth of the aquaculture assembly in the intertidal zone or in the basin can be set at low tide and can be measured according to the tide datum. A number of depth-adjusting mechanisms are possible and known. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, in a system installation, the depth-adjusting rope 72 is positioned at the same time over the entire length of the double-backbone 30, while setting reference points 75 along the water surface. Can be displayed on the fluid; This allows the system to be set up along the level plane. Some of the reference indicia 75, e.g., color tags, are measured distances from the initial display; For example, it can be added at 0.3m, 0.4m, 0.5m and 0.6m depending on the tide datum (as many indications as required or required in a particular area); In addition, the indicia can be positioned lower than the tide datum which allows the system to be completely submerged in the low tide if required. As required at times other than low tide; The reference points 75 allow cross referencing in the depth adjustment throughout the system as a whole and also allow the operator to recover the system from the time when the suspension is released to the water surface to perform the work to the correcting position. If the fixing ropes are stretched unevenly from float to float along the backbone, the reference points can be repositioned to rearrange the system. In various embodiments, the depth-adjusting rope 72 may be adjusted at an attachment point on or near the floating means or connecting means. The anchor lines 65 provide other adjustment points at the junction with the bridle means 70.

The distance of each floating means from each anchor allows the raft-type platforms connected (for example, as shown in Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b)) to form a substantial water level structure, and even if the seabed is uneven May be adjustable independently for each anchor, or for the distance between the shared anchors and the other floating means, while allowing for adjustment of the position of the floating device relative to the water surface.

According to other embodiments of the aquaculture assemblies of the present invention, the plurality of floating means, the aquaculture structures, or both may be interconnected by connecting means other than a double-backbone line. For example, a plurality of floating means, aquaculture structures, or all of these may be connected along a single backbone line. Discontinuous connection means as well as articulating means are also contemplated. The connecting means may comprise any suitable known means for connecting water-bound vessels such as rope lines, cables and chains. Other connection means which may be considered are optionally connected to the respective floating means and / or aquatic aquaculture by means of rotating joints, so that for the connected floating means and / or aquaculture structure, Flexible or inflexible material such as a stiff linkage (e.g., made of metal, wood or plastic or a combination thereof) while allowing movement of the means. A combination of the means described above can be employed to connect the floating means to each other and / or to the aquaculture structure. The connecting means may comprise a floating means or a part thereof, wherein the floating means comprises a low density material.

According to other embodiments of the aquaculture assemblies of the present invention, a plurality of anchors may be connected to a single floating means through each anchor lines. One such embodiment of the assembly according to the invention may comprise a single floating means. Alternate embodiments may include crossing anchor lines, whereby each floating means is fixed to one or more anchors, for example, as shown in FIG. In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of anchor lines may be connected to a single floating means, or a series of rigidly connected floating means. One such embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention may include a single floating means, for example, as shown in Fig. 5 (a) or 5 (b).

According to other embodiments of the aquaculture assemblies of the present invention, a plurality of floating means may be connected to the general anchors by respective anchor lines. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the assembly according to the present invention comprises a plurality of raft-type platforms 70 in a circular or rectangular structure connected to the same anchor 60 by anchor lines 65, (40) or a large-raft type platform (45).

According to further embodiments, the aquaculture assemblies of the present invention may comprise a single float means, a single aquaculture structure, or both. In one such embodiment, the floating means may be large enough and stable to support a plurality of aquatic life structures, and may be connected to one anchor or several anchors. When connected to one anchor, the connection can be made to one anchor line or a plurality of anchor lines. If one anchor line is employed, the connection of the anchor line (s) to the floating means by the bridle means can confer additional stability on the raft type platforms.

According to other embodiments, the aquaculture assembly of the present invention may comprise a single aquaculture structure. One such embodiment may include a floating means connected to the equilibrium position of the aquaculture structure, with each anchoring means connected by respective anchor lines to one or more anchors (optionally via bridle means).

Aquaculture methods

The present invention also relates to methods for cultivating aquaculture species employing the assemblies according to the invention as described above.

The aquaculture assemblies of the present invention provide aquaculture industry with a new treatment for oysters cultivated in the deep sea: the assemblies according to the present invention provide artificial conditions in the deep sea area, providing conditions similar to those found in shallow water or runoff. Tidal flat or rough terrain can be provided. This allows, for example, exposing the interstage aquatic species such as oysters or shells to the amount of time required from the water, or allowing the exposed paper to be exposed to conditions that promote shell hardening and cleaning / sanitation.

Aquaculture constructions such as oyster baskets or containers held on water in low tide are submerged in high tides (e.g., as shown in Figures 2 (a), 2 (b) and 6 to 12). The depth adjustment of the system allows the aquaculture operator to determine the amount of time while allowing different amounts of exposure to the ocean, and the structure and its contents are present from the water. In an alternative embodiment, the depth adjustment of the system will allow the aquaculture operator to locate the oyster basket (for the submerged species) in the area of the order providing similar conditions as found in the sub-basin. In addition, under storm conditions, the assembly can be immersed in safer depths until the weather improves and the structure can be placed under these layers if the rainfall falls in the area of the estuary where a layer of fresh water is formed on the surface of the seawater. have.

Moreover, the design of the assemblies of the present invention will always allow ease of handling when attaching and removing aquatic structures while maintaining a secure anchorage. For example, float may be released to the surface to allow the task to be performed on the assembly, regardless of the current tide.

The assembly according to the invention allows for the locking of a series of settled floating means and associated aquaculture structures, which have been flooded on the level plane in the artificial intertidal zone, or even in the artificial turf, and the single assembly also allows for some aquaculture structures It can be kept in the artificial intertidal zone and allow others to remain fully flooded. During cultivation, this may be desirable since certain species of aquatic cultures such as the morning oysters may require less time to experience inter-tidal exposures on the surface than in the deep ocean. Thus, this arrangement can provide a new minimum treatment for deep-sea aquaculture. For example, when used with existing submerging oyster culture systems such as the Whayman ladder system, the inventive assemblies can provide a seamless boundary between the ocean conditions and deep waters in the same area. A series of ladders (an embodiment of the ladder shown in Fig. 13), each holding a plurality of oyster baskets (generally 6) in the appropriate deep-sea area, is provided on either side in the case of a double- Evenly, it can be tightened to the backbone line. These ladders hang vertically to the desired depth. Aquacultural structures can be moved to and from the ladder at appropriate time intervals, depending on the characteristics of the species being farmed and the farm. Regular rotation of aquaculture structures and their contents from the deeper deep sea to the artificial intertidal zone or trough provided in the assemblies of the present invention to the raft-type platforms allows exposure to air, sunlight and wave activity to have such effects , It can have the added advantage of reducing underwater fouling and keeping the basket cleaner for longer. Certainly oysters are cleared by underwater erosion activity of waves in the artificial tidal flat.

Aquaculture species

Aquaculture species considered for aquaculture using the assemblies and methods of the present invention may include any species capable of being processed for aquaculture, including crustaceans and molluscs in particular. The assemblies and methods of the present invention are not so limited, but find particular application in mollusks, and in one embodiment, aquatic forms of bivalve mollusks.

According to a particular embodiment, species contemplated for culturing using the assemblies and methods of the present invention include, but are not limited to, bivalent mollusks such as oysters, oysters, spatulas, mussels (benefiting from the time spent in the tropics / It can include cubs, shells, cockles, rollovers, and scorpions. According to a further particular embodiment, the species that are considered to form, using the systems and methods of the invention morning bivalve molluscs, and from other additional embodiments, the oyster in particular, (such as oyster and Sydney rock oysters) in Crassostrea And specific oysters of Saccostrea . Australian native flat oysters (Ostrea angasi) and European flat oysters ( Ostrea edulis ) benefit from being submerged in the lower reaches just below the surface of the water where they will benefit from the wave erosion activity, which will help to clean and cure their shells, Undergoes a full range of depths.

Examples

Referring to Figures 2 (a), 2 (b) and 6 - 9, according to one working embodiment of the system according to the invention, (In this case, a custom made with a four-toned single wedge concrete weight was used) by appropriate anchors 85 to the underside 8 (same or equivalent) The backbone lines 30 (Australia, 7050, Kingston Tasmania, 28 Maiton Vale Circuit, Tasmania Marine Distributors Pty Ltd, Australia), which are fixed at either end through anchor- Lt; / RTI > Quality Equipment Danline) available from Dow Corning. The double-backbone can be 100 mm in length, tensioned (available from 570 Quality Equipment Mussel Lashing, available from Tasmania Marine Distributors Pty Ltd, Australia, 7050, Kingston Tasmania, 28 Murton Vale Circuit, ) With a 100 liters float 10 (available from Australia, Tasmania 7172, Sorell, 1317 Oaks Court, Global Contract Services, Pty Ltd) tightened between backbone lines 30 with 2m spacing Can be maintained. 2-3 meters of bridle rope 70 (made of 12 mm Quality Equipment Danline, available from Tasmania Marine Distributors Pty Ltd, Australia, 7050, Kingston Tasmania, 28 Mutton Vale Circuit, Australia) (Consisting of a Donaghys 12 mm Mussel Spat Collection Rope) is attached to each float 10, At the other end, each fusing line 65 is affixed to a concrete fusing weight 60 (or other suitable fusing weight) or to a fusing system (Fig. 2) embedded in the seabed. Oyster baskets / containers 20 (Australia, South Australia 5690, Ceduna Mailbox 633, Hexil Systems, Australia, Tasmania 7010, Goodwood, 8 Negra Crescent, available from Plastics Fabrication Pty Ltd) (Prototypes configured for experimentation) fixed to the frames 25 between the float 10, while creating the platforms 40. [0041]

Various design changes may be made to the system as described above without altering their functionality.

For example, in a double-backbone version, a backbone may be shorter or longer in length if a particular region requires it, and different sizes of floats may be used if they are subjected to subsurface conditions, The intervals between the associated baskets / containers are required to maintain an even water level setting along the double-backbone, and may vary accordingly. The baskets / containers can each be attached to the suspension; Can be merged individually or sequentially into a stand-alone floating design, or can form a float: baskets: containers module design.

In the appropriate area, the aquaculture system of the present invention can be used in a configuration that maintains a water level plane over a structure, a large structure that bridled and accommodates a large number of baskets / containers in one floating module that is settled on the undersea Can take the form. Although many other options (see, for example, FIG. 5 (a)) and multiple anchor points are considered, including linear, square or rectangular arrangements of raft platforms, And raft-type platforms arranged in a circular group (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 (b)) with anchor lines connecting the raft-type platforms to the anchor points.

Allows the operator to select the height of the raft-type platform above the water depth or below the surface of the water, or allows the operator to select the height of the raft type platform on the surface for work (such as surveying, maintenance or harvesting) The depth adjustment structure which allows to release the platform is optional; The assemblies can take the same set water level below the surface or in the tidal zone, which is not easily height / depth adjustable.

In the depth adjusting structure shown in FIG. 3A, the ring 71 is attached to the anchor line 65 at about 3 meters below the surface of the water, and the bridle means 70 can pass through such a ring; These bridal ropes are spliced to form a single depth-adjusting rope 72 at about 1.5 m above this ring. The ring 71 keeps track of the function of the ring and allows the bridle means 70 to pass through the ring 71 and can be made of any suitable material, bearing in mind the need for durability, Size. The preferred ring 71 is a ring made of steel, preferably 12 mm '316' stainless steel, and the ring has an outer diameter of 90 mm. In the depth adjusting structure shown in FIG. 3A, float 10 has a central pipe 14 through which depth-adjusting rope 72 can be pulled through to float by lifting and floating the system. On the upper side of the float, this rope 72 is approximately 2 mm in length and is finished with an eye-splice 11. When the system is submerged, a small polystyrene float 73 is attached near the eye-splice to indicate the location of such a rope. The depth of the float 10 prevents the further movement of the rope 72 in the downward direction and prevents the plug device 15 or the specially designed plug-cleat 16 3b). ≪ / RTI > The plug or plug / cleat is located on such a rope at a predetermined reference point 75 and is tightened by belaying the rope with nautical half hitch knots.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the floating device 10 can be positioned by the float 73. Lifting means, such as a davit hook, is located in the eye-splice 11 to which lift is applied; (Which may be one of the options 15, 16, 17, or 18 shown in Figures 3a and 3b) is pulled out of the central pipe 14 and bridged over the ring 71, And is lifted above the water surface, causing further pulling of the float 10 below the surface. To remove the plug, the locking cams 19 (see Figures 3A and 3B) are positioned on the rope 72 below the level of the plug. The weight / tension along with the running cams can be removed by lowering the lifting hook. After the plug is removed, the tension can be reapplied to the rope by lifting the lifting hook and releasing the locking cams, which are then removed; As the float rises to the surface, this removes the rope from going down through the central pipe. To replace the float below the surface of the water, the eye-splice is raised up again by suitable means; The plug is set in place, similar to the reference point 75 shown on the rope 72. The subsequent sequence is reversed for the plug removal procedure.

Figures 9 (a) to 9 (c) illustrate the operator releasing and resetting the raft-type platform according to the present invention by the procedure described above.

For the purpose of carrying out an experiment of the assemblies, a series of raft-type platforms, each holding the oyster basket 6, with associated set floating, will be evenly spaced and will be fixed along the double- These raft platforms can be tailored to a range of commercially available oyster baskets / containers. The tightening mechanism will be easy to operate and will also maintain the reliability of the system to prevent accidental disconnection of the baskets / containers.

Some of the expected benefits of the aquaculture formulations of the present invention include:

• Oyster farms do not have to compete to gain authority to work in highly demanding coastline areas;

• Oysters can develop marketable quality in the deep sea, similar to those cultivated in the coastal area;

• Oysters move seamlessly between the intertidal zone and deep water in situ, so that they can have improved growth rates, quality, or both, as a result of minimal treatment;

● Oyster hygiene can be improved with greater proximity to cleansing activity throughout the growth cycle;

In the deep-sea area, oysters will have higher shells and grain growth rates, and will produce tea pots, hardened shells, with exposure to time and wave activity on the surface. Oysters tend to rumble within fixed baskets that help to cure and shape the shell;

• rumbling and grading procedures can be kept to a minimum, reducing processing stresses and resulting losses;

● Coastline contamination affecting oysters can be avoided;

● Labor productivity is obtained including:

• Oysters require less processability because they will experience the full range of optimal conditions at one location. Caves may also require a less frequent basket or container change since they will have a tendency to have less underwater fouling; When exposed to air in the low tide, the fouling will dry, which tends to be washed away by wave activity and tidal motion;

■ The system is self-cleaned in an adjustable system because oyster structures and baskets can be opened and placed on the water surface for a period of time necessary to eliminate underwater fouling, which can be settled on these structures;

■ Simplified work on time: The work can be carried out in a convenient time, rather than depending on the tide conditions.

■ Aquaculturers work from vessel rather than walk through water and mud;

The oyster retrieval process can be mechanized using a vessel modified according to the purpose;

■ Time-consuming repositioning between deep-sea and coastline water is not required because this feature can be achieved in one location.

Managing stock work at a single location simplifies the task of keeping the oyster tracks throughout the growth of oysters through the market from the young.

The assemblies described in the above embodiments relate to oysters. It is anticipated, however, that the systems according to the present invention can equally be used in any aquaculture species that benefit from safe marine conditions or subculture conditions.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (20)

In a marine aquaculture assembly,
At least one structure adapted to cultivate aquacultural species;
At least one floating means; And
At least one fixing means connecting the floating means and the at least one structure to the seabed and connecting the seabed to a predetermined distance,
Wherein the structure is connected to the floating means or comprises the floating means, or the floating means comprises the structure,
The floating means
Wherein the at least one structure is maintained so that the aquaculture species are under artificial climatic conditions so that they are above the water surface in the low tide due to the tide and below the water surface in the high tide.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the fixing means is adjustable such that the distance between the at least one structure and the seabed is adjustable.
3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the floating means comprises:
a) maintaining the aquaculture species under artificial climatic conditions by selectively supporting the at least one structure so that it is above the water surface in the low tide due to the tide and below the water surface in the high tide,
b) maintaining the aquaculture species under artificial conditions by selectively supporting the at least one structure so that it is below the surface of water in the low tide due to the tide and completely below the surface of the tide
Wherein the fixing means is adjustable to engage the one of the first and second plates.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the distance between the at least one structure and the seabed can be adjusted to support the structure over the surface in the low tide.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein said assembly comprises a plurality of structures adapted to cultivate aquaculture species.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein said assembly always supports one or more structures for cultivating aquatic cultivars completely under water.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
RTI ID = 0.0 > 1, < / RTI > wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of floating means.
8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein said floating means have at least one said structure supported between each pair of floating means and are spaced apart.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
≪ / RTI > wherein said assembly comprises a plurality of fusing means.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Said assembly comprising a plurality of spaced apart floating means interconnected by connecting means,
Wherein said plurality of floating means are connected to at least one fixing means and support a plurality of said structures.
11. The method of claim 10,
Characterized in that the connecting means comprise at least one connecting line, the floating means being connected to the connecting line with a spacing along its length, and each end of at least one connecting line being connected to the displaced stabilizing means Assembly.
12. The method of claim 11,
The assembly includes two parallel connection lines,
Wherein the floating means are located between the connection lines and are connected to the connection line with spaced apart intervals.
11. The method of claim 10,
Each floating means being coupled to a respective fixing means.
14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the distance between the floating means and the underside is independently adjustable with respect to the distance between the combined floating means and the fusing means.
10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the structure comprises at least one raft-shaped platform, housing baskets, containers, and cages.
A method of cultivating aquaculture species, comprising culturing the aquaculture species using an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the aquaculture species comprises oysters or clams.
17. The method of claim 16,
Characterized in that the aquaculture species comprises oysters or clams.
The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein said aquaculture species is Crassostrea gigas , Saccostrea glomerata , Ostrea angasi , or Ostrea edulis .
17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein said aquaculture species is Crassostrea gigas , Saccostrea glomerata , Ostrea angasi or Ostrea edulis . ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 >

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